Shonda Rhimes Confirms Katherine Heigl's Return to 'Grey's Anatomy'

While Grey’s Anatomy fans have been waiting to hear what’s next for the show, creator and head writer Shonda Rhimes took the liberty to give away some juicy spoilers while at the 41st Annual NAACP Awards on Friday, including what’s in store for Katherine Heigl’s character next time around.

“She’s written into the next script,” Shonda reveals to reporters of Katherine’s stint on the drama after she had taken a short break to tend to her adopted baby, Nayleigh, with husband Josh Kelley.

And knowing that Izzie Stevens, who suffered from an almost lethal bout with cancer this season, is definitely returning, the fate of the Chief of Seattle Grace Hospital is another story.

“Well, I love James Pickens and I think we’re going to get to see a lot more of him and what happens to his character and explore what happens to a doctor when they go to rehab and come out the other side,” Shonda explains of Grey’s Anatomy character Richard.

But any show needs a bit of change to keep running and Shonda agrees that Jesse Williams, the new kid on the block, is perfect for the job.

“We developed his character a little more and illuminate who he is a little more to give more time to him…I think it was nice to bring in people that the audience would hate and our characters would have to rise against,” Shonda reveals after the awards ceremony in L.A.